Photo courtesy of LAFC
Ryan Hollingshead, center, wsa the man of the night for LAFC against Minnesota United on Sunday night.
LAFC has found all sort of ways to earn points so far this season.
LAFC has looked dominant, as it did in its season opening win against Colorado, it has come from behind to earn points, as they have done in several matches, and there are matches where the simple things just played out, as it did in a 2-0 win against Inter Miami back on March 12.
On Sunday night against Minnesota United, LAFC turned to its bench to rescue the full three points late in the match. LAFC got goals inside the final 10 minutes from Ryan Hollingshead and Jose Cifuentes, both of whom came off the bench early in the half, as LAFC turned back another stubborn defensive challenge from Minnesota to outlast them 2-0 at Banc of California Stadium, having a knock on effect on the latest MLS odds.
“Every day we get stronger,” Cifuentes said. “The work of the teachers, Jordan (Harvey) and the others of the coaching staff working day by day to improve so that has been fundamental.”
Cifuentes had entered the match for Latiff Blessing in the 63rd minute, while Hollingshead had come in for Franco Escobar in the 74th minute, and both players came in in the LAFC got a chance in the 82nd minute to grab the lead. Kellyn Acosta sent a corner kick into the penalty area in the 82nd minute, Danny Musovski brought the ball down and Hollingshead blasted a point-blank chance just outside the six-yard box past keeper Dayne St Clair to put LAFC ahead.
Cifuentes then wrapped up the three points for LAFC in the 90th minute, Francisco Ginella held the ball at the left corner of Minnesota’s side of the field and despite being double-teamed, managed to get a pass off to an unmarked Diego Palacios, who then turned and played a short cross into the penalty area, Cifuentes came in and tapped a ball that got past St. Clair near post.
We’re so deep and have guys that can step in, guys that are coming off the bench that are guaranteed starters on any other team in this league,” Hollingshead said of the team’s roster depth. “Having that type of fire power is huge and we’ve been using it well.”
While the match was scoreless for the first 81 minutes, it wasn’t for a lack of effort, especially on LAFC’s part. LAFC had the better chances throughout the match, and the closest in came to finding the back net came in the 51st minute, as Cristian Arango fired a right-footed shot from about 30 yards out, the ball was deflected, then it hit the far post, but the ball fell to the feel of Kwado Opoku, and with St. Clair in a srcambling position, it seemed like a golden opportunity for a rebound goal for Opoku, but he instead sent the ball into the 3252 supporters section. Minnesota’s best chance to score came two minutes into the second half, as Emanuel Renyoso played a ball forward for Abu Danladi, who got the ball and sent a cross into the penalty area, Bongokuhle Hlongwane chose to let the ball go, and Robin Lod charged in unmarked from the far side, but Lod shot the ball over goal and into the stands.
“We saw an exciting game tonight with a good result for LAFC,” head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “A game that was always going to be difficult against a team that defends well and is physical and understands how to defend in a deeper block and do a counter attack.”
